Three phreatomagmatic bursts and eight volcanic earthquakes with one volcanic tremor were recorded at the Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday (March 29) morning.
In its 5:00 a.m. 24-hour observation summary, the volcano released 4,273 tonnes of sulfur dioxide with a 2,400-meter tall plume.
In the Laging Handa briefing, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Spokesperson Mark Timbal said 3,771 individuals or 1,142 families are currently staying in 17 evacuation centers due to Taal unrest.
“Napabalita din po sa atin na mayroong 265 families o 1,203 persons ang lumikas din pero nakituloy po sa mga kamag-anakan po nila and friends sa ibang lugar po sa Batangas,” he said.
The NDRRMC assured that it can provide for the needs of evacuees, such as food packs.
Although no individuals are staying on the volcano island, authorities continue to urge individuals staying in high-risk areas to evacuate.
“Napaghandaan na po natin, mayroon tayong contingency plan for the Taal emergency at lahat po ng leksiyon na natutunan natin doon sa nakaraan ay ina-apply po natin ngayon,” Timbal said.
“Sabi ng Phivolcs babantayan nila itong Taal for 2 weeks, so ‘yung preparation po natin for supply natin ay lagpas po for the 2 weeks in case na magkaroon ng extended stay,” he addded. – Report from Kenneth Paciente/AG – bny
Watch the report here: